UK Government Steps Up Immigration Reforms

In its spring statement of changes to the Immigration Rules, the UK Government has taken further steps to implement proposals contained in its 12 May 2025 immigration white paper, including higher English language requirements, border security measures and a targeted expansion of select immigration routes.

STRICTER ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

The English language requirement for those applying for settlement (otherwise known as permanent residence or indefinite leave to remain) will increase to level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, from the current level B1. This change will impact settlement applications submitted on or after 26 March 2027 and follows the increased B2 English language requirement for main applicants applying under work routes (including Skilled Worker) which was implemented in January this year.

NATIONALITY-BASED RESTRICTIONS

The UK Government has continued, and expanded, its policy of imposing restrictions on certain nationalities perceived as posing a threat to border security.

Effective 5 March 2026, nationals of Nicaragua and St. Lucia will be required to apply for and be granted a visit visa before travelling to the UK. A transitional period is in place allowing nationals of Nicaragua and St Lucia to travel to the UK without a visa where they already hold a confirmed travel booking until 15:00 BST on 16 April 2026.

Further, owing to “unsustainable levels of visa-linked asylum claims” Student visa applications submitted by nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan on or after 26 March 2026 will be refused. Skilled Worker applications submitted by nationals of Afghanistan only will also be refused where these are submitted on or after 26 March 2026.

It should be noted that these restrictions on Student and Skilled Worker visa applications will only apply to applications submitted from outside of the UK.

TARGETED EXPANSION OF SELECT IMMIGRATION ROUTES

Global Talent

A new design pathway will be added to the Global Talent route which will cover additional design roles which are not currently capable of endorsement under the route. This should be implemented from 1 July 2026.

There will also be a simplification of the requirements for fast-track endorsements under the Global Talent route for talented individuals in eligible academic or research positions, covering PhD-level roles in approved UK higher education institutions or research institutes.

Global Business Mobility – Service Supplier

Changes will also be made to implement the UK’s commitments under the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with India, once that agreement comes into force. This involves an expansion of the route to allow Indian nationals (including self-employed individuals) who are delivering contracted services covered by the Agreement to come to the UK for up to 12 months.

Global Business Mobility – Secondment Worker

The overseas employment period for a worker to be eligible under this route will be reduced from 12 to 6 months from 8 April 2026. This route allows overseas workers to be temporarily seconded by an overseas employer to the UK as part of a high value contract or investment, with this change intended to provide greater flexibility for businesses and attract more high-value contracts to the UK.

Asylum

Further, from 26 March 2026, asylum seekers will be permitted to seek work in a greater number of occupations, provided that the roles are at least level RFQ 6 (i.e. graduate level roles eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route).

SKILLED WORKER SALARY COMPLIANCE

As part of a continued emphasis on immigration compliance, Skilled Worker salary requirements are being amended with employers required to ensure that Skilled Workers are paid the salary stated on their Certificate of Sponsorship in each pay period, subject to permitted variations under the Immigration Rules. This change is intended to strengthen enforcement against underpayment and support worker welfare.

IDENTITY REUSE FOR IN-COUNTRY APPLICATIONS

From 8 April 2026, the government will expand the reuse of previously enrolled biometric data, meaning fewer applicants will need to attend an in-person application centre to submit biometrics as part of their application.

WHAT EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES SHOULD DO NOW

• Review language requirements for long-term workforce planning: Employers with sponsored workers who may later apply for settlement should factor in the forthcoming B2 English language requirement and consider encouraging affected employees to begin preparation for higher-level English tests well in advance of the 26 March 2027 implementation date.
• Assess recruitment and mobility strategies: Organisations that recruit international students or overseas workers should review how the new nationality-based restrictions and visa requirements may affect talent pipelines, travel plans and sponsorship strategies.
• Explore newly expanded immigration routes: Businesses and individuals may wish to evaluate opportunities created by the expanded Global Talent design pathway and changes to Global Business Mobility route.
• Check Skilled Worker salary compliance processes: Employers sponsoring workers under the Skilled Worker route should ensure payroll and HR systems confirm that the salary stated on the Certificate of Sponsorship is paid in each pay period, and that any permitted variations are properly documented to mitigate compliance risk.
• Monitor upcoming reforms and plan for longer settlement timelines: Significant changes are expected later this year, including expansion of the UK’s illegal working regime and a shift toward an “earned settlement” model. The government is signalling that the standard qualifying period for settlement may increase from 5 to 10 years. Employers should monitor developments closely and consider the potential impact on workforce planning, sponsorship duration and associated costs, while employees should factor longer residence requirements into their long-term immigration planning.